Discover the incredible wildlife of Antarctica
Aptenodytes forsteri
The largest of all penguin species, Emperor Penguins can stand up to 4 feet tall and weigh up to 88 pounds. They are known for their remarkable breeding cycle during the Antarctic winter, where males incubate eggs on their feet for up to 64 days in temperatures as low as -40°C.
Pygoscelis adeliae
One of the most widespread penguin species in Antarctica, Adélie Penguins are medium-sized with distinctive white eye rings. They are excellent swimmers and can dive to depths of 175 meters in search of krill and fish.
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Named for the narrow black band under their heads, Chinstrap Penguins are known for their aggressive nature and loud calls. They are found primarily on the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands, with colonies sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands.
Pygoscelis papua
The fastest underwater swimming penguin, Gentoos can reach speeds of up to 36 km/h. They are easily identified by their bright orange-red bills and white stripe across the top of their heads. Gentoos are found throughout the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands.
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Distinguished by their distinctive yellow and black plumes on their heads, Macaroni Penguins are one of the most numerous penguin species. They breed in large colonies on sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, with some colonies containing over 100,000 pairs.
Aptenodytes patagonicus
The second-largest penguin species, King Penguins are known for their striking orange and yellow markings on their heads and necks. They breed on sub-Antarctic islands and have a unique breeding cycle that takes 14-16 months, meaning they can only raise two chicks every three years.
Eudyptes chrysocome
Named for their distinctive hopping movement over rocks, Rockhopper Penguins are small but feisty. They have distinctive yellow and black spiky feathers on their heads and red eyes. They breed on sub-Antarctic islands and are known for their aggressive behavior.
Megaptera novaeangliae
Known for their spectacular breaching behavior and complex songs, Humpback Whales migrate to Antarctic waters during the summer months to feed on krill. They can grow up to 16 meters long and weigh up to 30 tons. Their distinctive long pectoral fins can be up to one-third of their body length.
Balaenoptera acutorostrata
The smallest of the baleen whales commonly seen in Antarctic waters, Minke Whales are curious and often approach boats. They can grow up to 10 meters long and are identified by their pointed snout and distinctive white band on their flippers.
Orcinus orca
The apex predator of Antarctic waters, Orcas are highly intelligent and social animals that hunt in coordinated pods. They feed on fish, seals, and even other whales. Antarctic Orcas have developed specialized hunting techniques, including wave-washing seals off ice floes.
Balaenoptera musculus
The largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth, Blue Whales can reach lengths of up to 30 meters and weigh up to 200 tons. They feed almost exclusively on krill in Antarctic waters during the summer months, consuming up to 4 tons of krill per day.
Balaenoptera physalus
The second-largest whale species, Fin Whales can reach lengths of up to 27 meters. They are known as the "greyhounds of the sea" due to their streamlined bodies and fast swimming speeds of up to 37 km/h. They migrate to Antarctic waters to feed on krill and small fish.
Balaenoptera borealis
One of the fastest whale species, Sei Whales can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h over short distances. They are found in Antarctic waters during the summer months, feeding on krill, copepods, and small fish. They can grow up to 20 meters long.
Hydrurga leptonyx
The second-largest seal species in Antarctica, Leopard Seals are formidable predators with powerful jaws and sharp teeth. They feed on penguins, fish, and other seals. They can grow up to 3.5 meters long and weigh up to 500 kg. Their distinctive spotted coat gives them their name.
Leptonychotes weddellii
The most southerly breeding mammal in the world, Weddell Seals can dive to depths of over 600 meters and hold their breath for up to 80 minutes. They maintain breathing holes in the ice using their teeth and are known for their haunting underwater vocalizations.
Lobodon carcinophaga
Despite their name, Crabeater Seals feed almost exclusively on krill, not crabs. They are the most abundant seal species in the world, with an estimated population of 15-40 million. They have specialized teeth that act as a sieve to filter krill from the water.
Mirounga leonina
The largest seal species in the world, male Southern Elephant Seals can weigh up to 4,000 kg and grow up to 6 meters long. They are named for their large proboscis, which males use to produce loud roaring sounds during breeding season. They can dive to depths of over 2,000 meters.
Arctocephalus gazella
Once hunted to near extinction, Antarctic Fur Seals have made a remarkable recovery. They breed primarily on sub-Antarctic islands and are excellent swimmers, feeding on krill, fish, and squid. Males can weigh up to 200 kg, while females are much smaller at around 50 kg.
Diomedea exulans
With the largest wingspan of any living bird (up to 3.5 meters), Wandering Albatrosses are masters of soaring flight. They can travel thousands of kilometers without flapping their wings, using dynamic soaring techniques. They breed on sub-Antarctic islands and can live for over 50 years.
Macronectes giganteus
Large seabirds with a wingspan of up to 2 meters, Southern Giant Petrels are opportunistic feeders that scavenge on carrion and prey on smaller seabirds. They have a distinctive tube nose and can be identified by their pale or dark color morphs.
Stercorarius maccormicki
Aggressive predators and scavengers, South Polar Skuas are known for stealing food from other birds and preying on penguin eggs and chicks. They breed on the Antarctic continent and migrate to the Northern Hemisphere during the Antarctic winter, making one of the longest migrations of any bird.
Sterna vittata
Graceful seabirds with distinctive red bills and feet, Antarctic Terns breed on the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They are skilled hunters, diving into the water to catch small fish and krill. They are closely related to the Arctic Tern, which makes the longest migration of any animal.
Pagodroma nivea
One of only three bird species that breed exclusively on the Antarctic continent, Snow Petrels are pure white with black eyes and bills. They nest in rocky crevices and feed on fish, krill, and squid. They are often seen far from land, flying over pack ice.
Daption capense
Also known as the Pintado Petrel, Cape Petrels have distinctive black and white checkered plumage. They are common in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, often following ships to feed on scraps. They breed on rocky cliffs and are excellent fliers, using dynamic soaring techniques.
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